Street Races, Shifting Politics, and Safer Streets: July Power Poll Results
By: Thom Serafin
July 21, 2025
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You can listen to the latest Power Poll podcast here.
As we speed through the summer, NASCAR has made their return to Michigan Avenue for their action-packed annual street race.
NASCAR announced it will pause its discussions for a race in 2026. City officials must decide whether to strike a new deal with NASCAR to hold the Street Race through Grant Park and along Lakefront in 2027. What best describes your opinion?
- 29% Yes, it’s great for the city’s national exposure.
- 15% No, the city loses money on it.
- 34% Yes, if they pick an alternative date; there is too much going on over the July Fourth weekend.
- 22% No, unless the city can make a better financial deal.
With politics heating up for 2028, attention has shifted from the streets of Chicago to the national stage.
Early 2028 Democratic Presidential Field
It looks like former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is considering a bid for the Democratic nomination for President in 2028. There is also talk in political circles that Governor J.B. Pritzker may be planning the same. Which potential candidate do you think has the strongest ability to succeed?
- 57% Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel
- 43% Governor J.B. Pritzker
Chicagoans are closely watching their city’s progress at home—especially on public safety.
Chicago’s Progress on Reducing Crime
Chicago has seen a 33% drop in homicides and a historic decline in violent crime during the first half of 2025. But concerns remain, especially in light of the July 2 mass shooting in which four people died and 14 were wounded. How satisfied are you with the city’s progress on reducing crime?
- 3% Very satisfied – the improvements are noticeable and effective.
- 35% Somewhat satisfied – progress is good, but more needs to be done.
- 18% Somewhat dissatisfied – the drop isn’t enough given ongoing incidents.
- 42% Very dissatisfied – crime remains a major issue despite the statistics.
- 2% Unsure/No opinion
Over the years, there have been a lot of major influencers who have impacted the reputation of Illinois and we wanted to get a read on who Chicagoans think had the biggest impact.
Who of the following do you believe has had the greatest positive influence on the state’s national reputation?
- 0% Former U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton
- 2% Former U.S. Senator Paul Simon
- 24% Michael Jordan
- 3% Oprah Winfrey
- 29% Pope Leo XIV
- 38% President Barack Obama
- 4% President Ronald Reagan
Chicago sports hold a place in the hearts of most Chicagoans, and each year it’s hard to predict how our teams will perform. We wanted to know what Chicagoans think about the following sports-related outcomes.
Which of the following do you think is most likely to happen?
- 13% The Cubs win the World Series.
- 11% The White Sox have a worse season than last year.
- 76% The Chicago Bears announce a move to Arlington Heights.
Final Thoughts: What This Month’s Poll Says About Chicago
Chicago’s Power Pollers continue to reflect a city that’s engaged, thoughtful, and divided on key issues such as NASCAR, crime rates, the 2028 Presidential Election, and more. This summer, Chicagoans are not just heading outdoors to enjoy the lake and local parks, they’re tuning in and weighing in. Stay tuned for the next edition of the Chicago Power Poll and don’t forget to give the Power Poll podcast, hosted by Thom Serafin a listen.
Note: The Serafin Power Poll captures the perspectives of regional decision-makers and thought leaders in the Chicago metropolitan area with consistency. While not a scientific survey, it offers a clear and insightful gauge of prevailing sentiments, much like a reliable weathervane tracking the direction of Chicago’s winds.
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